ICPC arraigns ex-ARMTI director over alleged N48.52m contract fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned a former Director of Finance and Supply at the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Ilorin, Kwara State, Ibitoye Olajide Moses, over an alleged N48.52 million contract fraud.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Commission on Tuesday.

The defendant was brought before the Kwara State High Court, presided over by Justice H.A. Saleeman, on a 24-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, conferring unfair advantage, acquisition of private interests in public contracts, misappropriation of funds, and making false statements to investigators.

The ICPC said its investigations revealed that the defendant allegedly used his position to influence the award of several contracts worth tens of millions of naira to companies in which he had direct and indirect interests.

The defendant was also alleged to have obtained an indirect benefit of N550,000 from a N28.85 million contract awarded to Synergy Impact Consulting Ltd.

Additionally, the prosecution alleged that the defendant dishonestly misappropriated N3 million, purportedly collected as administrative charges on contracts awarded by ARMTI.

Mr Moses was also accused of maintaining active involvement in Magic Touch Business Solutions Ltd while in public service, alongside his wife, who is also allegedly a director and signatory to the company’s accounts.

At the arraignment, the charges were read to the defendant, and he pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Following the plea, defence counsel, Mr Oluwasheye Adeboye, applied for bail.

The application was not opposed by prosecution counsel, Mr David Nwaze.

The court subsequently granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N5 million, with two sureties.

Justice Saleeman ruled that the sureties must be residents within the court’s jurisdiction, with at least one possessing landed property.

The matter was thereafter adjourned to May 26, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

The prosecution is expected to call witnesses and tender documentary exhibits to substantiate the allegations, while the defence is expected to either file a no-case submission or open its case.

The development adds to a growing list of fraud-related cases being prosecuted by the ICPC.

The case followed the ICPC’s announcement in 2023 that its operatives had commenced investigations into alleged fraud, criminal conspiracy, and diversion of public funds.